DVDs Showcase Talking Heads, The Doors, Tom Petty

The herky-jerky rhythms of Talking Heads, the tortured poetry of Doors vocalist Jim Morrison and the cool-breeze sounds from Tom Petty comprise three of the best music-based DVDs on store shelves now.

"Talking Heads — Chronology" gives fans a visual and aural progression of a band that grew from its quasi-punk, slightly insecure foundation into new wave big-leaguers, while "The Doors — Mr. Mojo Risin': The Story of L.A. Woman" gives glimpses into the rocky back story and recording of The Doors' final proper album. "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — Live in Concert," a new reissue of Petty's 2005 "Soundstage" concert video, also has rewards for Petty's army of followers.

Talking Heads On Top

It's almost astounding to watch the confidence build in Talking Heads' camp on "Chronology." In 1975, the then-trio's leader, singer-guitarist David Byrne, was nervous, fidgety and could barely look anyone in the eye, even when he was an evening's headliner. Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth, despite her impressive abilities on four strings, skittishly stared at Byrne during their early concerts.

The DVD fast forwards to 1980, when Talking Heads tripled its original lineup with King Crimson guitarist-singer Adrian Belew in tow, and Byrne, Weymouth, drummer Chris Frantz and keyboardist-guitarist Jerry Harrison displaying a tangible confidence and more muscular sonics. Talking Heads' performance of "Take Me to the River" on "American Bandstand" in 1979 seems odd-yet-fascinating, and their mini-set during their 2002 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which followed years of bad blood between Byrne and the other members, amazingly is drama-free.

Rise Of The Doors

Surviving Doors members Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore are more than willing to reminisce on "The Story of L.A. Woman," a documentary that blends grainy, black-and-white concert footage with archival interviews of the late Jim Morrison. Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore reveal their fear of Morrison's on-stage antics, which included profanity into the microphone and, during one incident, a moment of alleged indecent exposure.

But the surviving trio's words about Morrison aren't all spoken in fear and frustration. They marvel at how Morrison could make up lyrics on the spot, and despite marathon drinking and drug intake, could almost always deliver an inspired vocal performance in the studio.

Among the best parts of the video are footage and crystal-clear photographs of The Doors working in the studio, as well as contemporary footage of Manzarek, Densmore and Krieger playing their instruments to demonstrate the art of arranging and recording.

Winning Sounds

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers also are no strangers to the art of arranging music. "Live in Concert" features ample proof of the worthiness of Petty, guitarists Mike Campbell and Scott Thurston, bassist Ron Blair, keyboardist Benmont Tench and drummer Steve Ferrone, as all play extremely well without stooping to spotlight-hogging.

"The Waiting," "Refugee," "Crawlin' Back to You," "Love is a Long Road," "Born in Chicago," "Thirteen Days," "I Got a Woman," the overplayed-but-good "I Won't Back Down" and a set-opening cover of "Baby Please Don't Go" have an infectious, slow-burn effect that builds momentum throughout the concert. When Petty's group tackles The Traveling Wilburys hit single, "Handle with Care," a grinning Thurston steps up to the mic to deliver the late Roy Orbison's vocal parts, winning some of the loudest cheers of the night.

The Heartbreakers, Talking Heads and The Doors all have been called the greatest American band by their respective fans, and after viewing these DVDs, it becomes increasingly difficult to argue against those fans' proclamations.